Island Stories #41: Seagulls on Neeltje Jans and Schouwen-Duiveland. The most visible wildlife on this island are the birds; there are so many, and in such a wide variety in every season, that many bird lovers visit Schouwen-Duiveland. An estimated 150,000 birds search for food on the island's wetlands during the spring and autumn migration. Further to the west, on the beaches and in the dunes, you will see many seagulls.
I worked on Neeltje Jans back in 1982, during the construction phase. (I was writing software for a training simulator for a specialised construction barge called "Cardio"). I stayed in Renesse during the week, returning to Den Haag for the weekends, so I didn't get much time to explore the area. But some evenings I'd go down to the beech, and if I'd been working late I'd take the morning off to explore the dunes and woods. It was easily the nicest place I ever worked.
I can imagine a walk down that beckoning path to explore the beauty & inspiration of nature. Your country’s approach to environmental protection & preservation is praiseworthy!
Very interesting story. It's also interesting how many people dislike gulls and pigeons. I find both fascinating in their ability to adapt and thrive among the ever expanding human presence. While human generated waste isn't the nutrition they need, they take the easy meal whenever they can. I hope people are being careful with plastics and things made from metal and glass which can create death traps for birds and other local inhabitants.
Wonderful background on where you went. Had to really enlarge the photo to see the wind turbines. There has been much controversy on where they should go on LI shores but they will be built. All our shore birds are in trouble and it’s wonderful they have places in the Netherlands to rest and feed. Nature needs protection and seems your nation is well aware of it.
Looking forward to your next post. Hope the pain in your neck has eased.
I worked on Neeltje Jans back in 1982, during the construction phase. (I was writing software for a training simulator for a specialised construction barge called "Cardio"). I stayed in Renesse during the week, returning to Den Haag for the weekends, so I didn't get much time to explore the area. But some evenings I'd go down to the beech, and if I'd been working late I'd take the morning off to explore the dunes and woods. It was easily the nicest place I ever worked.
A wonderful Island Story.
I can imagine a walk down that beckoning path to explore the beauty & inspiration of nature. Your country’s approach to environmental protection & preservation is praiseworthy!
Love the back page too.
Very interesting story. It's also interesting how many people dislike gulls and pigeons. I find both fascinating in their ability to adapt and thrive among the ever expanding human presence. While human generated waste isn't the nutrition they need, they take the easy meal whenever they can. I hope people are being careful with plastics and things made from metal and glass which can create death traps for birds and other local inhabitants.
Wonderful background on where you went. Had to really enlarge the photo to see the wind turbines. There has been much controversy on where they should go on LI shores but they will be built. All our shore birds are in trouble and it’s wonderful they have places in the Netherlands to rest and feed. Nature needs protection and seems your nation is well aware of it.
Looking forward to your next post. Hope the pain in your neck has eased.
🌻 Saturday morning,
saving your photo! Gorgeous place!
Not that long ago I imagined that I could hover on the sea winds like a Seagull. Today, I can still, sort off, squawk like one . . .
Always captivated by birds and so far have rescued several (-:
The supporting website 'Natuurmonumenten' is awesome too, and started following Paul Beguine on Twitter. Thank you!